The best TVs for Netflix junkies

Christmas is just around the corner and if you're thinking of buying a new TV for your binge watching bestie, Netflix wants to help you out.

You might not know that a couple years ago the company started producing an annual list of TVs it recommend for the ultimate streaming experience as it grappled with integrating its service with smart TVs that weren't actually all that smart.

In order to get the stamp of approval from the streaming giant, TVs are judged on seven criteria.

• TV instant on

• Fast app launch

• A Netflix button on the remote

• Easy Netflix icon access

• TV resume

• High-res Netflix interface

• Ability to support latest Netflix version

Any TV that passes at least five out of our seven criteria can receive the Netflix Recommended TV designation.

"The way that process works, is that as TVs are certified to carry Netflix, we then look for those models that meet five of the seven criteria," Nigel Baptiste, Netflix's Director of Partner Engagement told news.com.au.

Basically you should picture guys in white lab coats with stop watches measuring things like how long it takes for a TV to turn on, or move from one app to the next, he said.

Much of his job requires him to work with device manufacturers to ensure the popular streaming service is available and optimised on as many devices as possible.

"We're trying to raise the overall performance of smart TVs in general ... but another component is about educating consumers," he said.

"As a Netflix employee we get asked what's the best TV to buy, this way it's easy to point consumers to retail stores and look for the Netflix recommended logo so they know these are the TVs where Netflix performs best.

"And it's not just the best performance for Netflix but all of the other online streaming services will benefit from these features," he said.

The LG 4K ultra high definition TVs with WebOS 3.5 have been given the Netflix stamp of approval.

This year, three major brands made the cut: LG, Sony and Samsung.

"A handful of Smart TVs are delivering a next generation experience, enabling faster performance, easier app access, and new features that improve Netflix and other internet TV services," Netflix says on its recommended TVs page.

They include LG 4K ultra high definition TVs with WebOS 3.5.

There are quite a few that meet this criteria and as you might expect, they're towards to top end of the market.

But you can get a 43 inch LG Smart UHD 4K TV in this family for under $1600.

Samsung's 2017 4K UHD and QLED TVs are also on the list, including the 7 series, 8 series, 9 series and Q series.

At the top end is the QLED range, which we reviewed in July, but you can pick up a 55 inch Samsung 7 series ultra high definition QLED TV for $2499.

Netflix also gives the big thumbs up to all of Sony's Android TVs, of which there are many and you can get a 55 inch 4K HDR Android Smart TV at JB-HiFi for under $1900.

Of course, there are plenty of other, cheaper, TVs on the market that provide a perfectly sufficient streaming experience such as this very well priced Android powered TCL TV we reviewed in August.

You might have to wait a little longer for your TV to power up, but you'll save a little money.

Or you can always buy a 65-inch Ultra HD 4K TV from Aldi for about $899.